Intro to the Chakras

Intro to the Chakras

One of the requirements to become a yoga teacher includes a lengthy take home exam, so my procrastination techniques from college have been useful these past few weeks…However, one of my favorite exercises has been this summary of the chakras, their purpose, function, how to know when they are off balance and what yoga exercises you can do to strenghten them.

The Chakras are energy centers in the body, the word chakra means “wheel.” Understanding them can help us comprehend the way that energy is processed by humans. The first three chakras are known as the lower triangle, and the 5th-7th are known as the upper triangle. The 4th or Heart chakra is the point between them which shifts our perspective from “me” to “we.”

The Chakras affect our perceptions, choices and feelings. They affect our thoughts, mainly the type and flow of them and what we choose to manifest. When we balance the Chakras, it helps open the senses, provides a sense of well-being and connect us to energies that surround us.

1st Chakra: Root

Security & Survival – Foundations, security, habit, self-acceptance

Color: Red

Location: Bottom of spine

Organs, nerves, glands: Organs of elimination

Proper functions: Grounded, centered, secure, loyal and stable.

Mal-functions: Fear, insecurity. Life feels like a burden, feeling like one does not belong.